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    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept Debuts – Name Trademarked In India

    Toyota bZ4X Electric ConceptToyota has already filed trademarks for other bZ models such as bZ1X up to bZ5X in India
    Slowdown in the global automotive industry hasn’t impacted the process of automakers transitioning to electrified powertrains. Toyota has announced that it will be adding as many fifteen fully electric vehicles (EVs) in its global lineup out of which seven will wear the branding of bZ which stands for ‘Beyond Zero’.
    The first of the bZ lineup has now been revealed in a pre-production concept form called bZ4X which is loosely based on Toyota’s mid-size SUV RAV4. Given RAV4’s popularity in international markets, it was a no-brainer for the Japanese carmaker. The crossover has been built on e-TNGA platform in partnership with Subaru.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    Exterior Design
    As expected, the bZ4X Concept takes a number of styling inspirations from its IC engine-powered cousin. It is similar in shape and size to RAV4 but sits a little lower and is slightly longer than the latter.
    At front, it gets a small hexagonal grille in the lower section of the face with small vertical inlets in the corners. Otherwise, the front end has no openings with a trapezoidal nose. The headlight clusters have four projector LED beams and a strip of LED DRLs at top of each.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    Moving to its side profile, it gets swift character lines flowing backward giving it the impression of a scooped-out section. Lower part of the door kinks upward at the rear fenders while a rear spoiler and high beltline add a sporty element to its design. Like RAV4, the C-pillar has a steep coupe-like rake while glossy black wheel arches and multi-spoke tubeless alloy wheels accentuate the crossover’s sporty appeal.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    At rear, LED illumination comprising boomerang-shaped taillights and a full-width strip across the tailgate gives it a premium appeal. Overall, the bZX4 concept grabs the attention by its bold and futuristic looks. Its interior, though premium and modern, fails to complement the exterior.
    Interior Layout & Features
    The cabin features a bulky steering column with a digital instrument cluster almost stuck to the windscreen glass. The dashboard flaunts a wide touchscreen infotainment unit extending up to the centre console finished in piano with rotary dials for toggling assistance systems and drive modes.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    It also receives a touchpad with a blue glow that can be used to operate the infotainment screen. Other highlights include multi-zone climate control, USB charging ports and a dual-tone interior theme.
    The rear seat seems fairly spacious thanks to the lack of a drivetrain hump and a wide cabin which should accommodate three adults abreast. Toyota hasn’t yet revealed the exact powertrain specs. The e-TNGA platform is suited for both single motor and dual motor setups.
    Toyota bZ4X Electric Concept
    The former can be opted in either front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive layouts while the latter comes with all-wheel-drive capabilities. A single-motor variant called bZ4 should also be included in the lineup. Basically, the ‘X’ in the model name refers to all-wheel-drive vehicles.
    Toyota has trademarked BZ, BZ1, BZ2, BZ3, BZ4 and BZ5 in India
    A rebadged crossover under Subaru branding shall also be developed. Expect production version of bZ4X to start reaching markets by mid-2022. Toyota intends to launch all seven bZ models by 2025 which will also include an electric pickup truck. Production of the electric crossover is expected to be carried out in Japan and China. More

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    Ford Evos Could Preview the Fusion Replacement for the U.S.

    Ford unveiled a mid-size car called the Evos at the Shanghai auto show today.Although details are scarce, from the photos the Evos has an appearance with elements of a wagon, a sedan, and a crossover.This China-only model could signify what Ford’s long rumored Subaru Outback–inspired wagon for the U.S., the Fusion Active, might look like.Ford’s new mid-size car for China is the Evos, a name it used 10 years ago on a concept car that now signifies a possible replacement for our market’s Fusion sedan, perhaps in the form of the Fusion Active wagon that has been expected for a few years now.

    Ford won’t say much about the Evos other than that it’s “aligned with Chinese aesthetics” and was specifically developed for that market. From the three photos Ford made available, one of which depicts it on the stand at the Shanghai auto show, the open-mesh grille and the rev counter on the instrument panel indicate the Evos is not a battery-electric car like the Mustang Mach-E. But the body proportions, from the car’s shoulder height and fastback profile to the interior’s door panels and center console, are reminiscent of that car.

    Ford

    As to whether you’d call it a sedan or a crossover, that’s difficult to say for certain, but it’s a good-looking vehicle. It’s not surprising that there’s quite a lot of resemblance to the concept Evos, which in 2011 previewed many styling elements of the 2013 Fusion. On the production Evos, the muscled stance and super-thin headlights from the concept look very natural on this higher-riding vehicle.

    Ford

    The Evos will feature Ford’s newly announced Level 2 self-driving feature called BlueCruise. Ford says it will activate on “prequalified sections of divided highways,” which is exactly how Cadillac’s Super Cruise is designed to function (by using laser-scanned 3D maps). Ford didn’t say how many miles of road in China are set up for hands-free driving. The same technology will be available in the U.S. on the Mach-E and the F-150 pickup later this year. The Evos also gets a new Ford Virtual Personal Assistant, which uses a human-machine interface to customize interior conditions. In contrast to the Mach-E’s 15.5-inch vertical display and teensy instrument panel, the Evos spans 43 inches of screens in one horizontal sweep. The VPA has a “co-driver” mode in which one side of the screen can be set up to show navigation, traffic signs, and road conditions while the passenger can look at entertainment on the other side. It also has a “relax” mode in which lighting, seat positions, and audio can be adjusted to taste. The software is modified by the Chinese tech giant Baidu and therefore unlikely to show up in other markets.Ford also hasn’t given any details about the powertrain, chassis, or anything as it relates to a potential U.S. or European version.
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    Lincoln Zephyr Name Returns on a Nice-Looking Sedan for China

    The Lincoln Zephyr name is back on a concept sedan called the Zephyr Reflection Preview, which debuted at the Shanghai auto show today.Style points to notice include the fastback-style rear end and the wall-to-wall interior screens.This Zephyr could be a Continental replacement, or it could be an MKZ-size smaller sedan, but either way it’s very unlikely to come to the United States.Lincoln is bringing back the historic Zephyr name for a new concept car specifically for the China market. While the luxury brand recently canceled its MKZ and Continental models in the U.S. and now only sells SUVs here, customers in China are far more interested in the four-door-sedan body style.

    Lincoln

    This concept appears to be an indicator of what a new Lincoln luxury sedan for China could look like. We doubt it means much for the U.S., but it’s interesting to envision an alternate trajectory for Lincoln. We don’t know many details about the Zephyr concept, so it’s hard to know if it’s sized like a replacement for the Continental or if it’s a smaller entry similar to the now defunct Fusion-based MKZ. Its styling is reminiscent of what we’ve seen on the Aviator and Corsair SUVs and has a fastback-like greenhouse in the rear. Inside, it has wall-to-wall screens, as is the current trend.

    Lincoln

    Lincoln also has given no indication of the Zephyr concept car’s underpinnings or powertrain. We’d guess that the eventual production car will use some sort of plug-in-hybrid or electric drivetrain. We discovered a few years ago that Lincoln still held the trademark for the Zephyr name in the U.S. and speculated that a new rear-wheel-drive sedan model bearing that name could eventually arrive to replace the MKZ. At this point that seems like an unlikely scenario given that Ford has dropped all passenger-car models and is focusing only on trucks and SUVs going forward. So we doubt that we’ll ever see anything like this Zephyr for the U.S. market.

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    2022 Subaru Legacy, Outback Priced; Outback Wilderness Is $38,120

    Subaru has announced that the 2022 Legacy sedan is priced starting at $23,955, a $150 increase from last year, and the 2022 Outback wagon starts at $28,070, up $150 from 2021. Most trim levels’ prices are unchanged or rise no more than $100.The newly introduced 2022 Outback Wilderness model (pictured above) starts at $38,120.The 2022 Legacy and Outback will arrive in dealers this summer.Subaru has announced a full price list for the 2022 Legacy and Outback, which are getting a few new features with prices that remain the same or have increased by $100 or less, depending on trim level. In 2021, Subaru added steering-responsive LED headlights, and this year it also gives every Outback standard LED fog lights. On the Legacy, it makes 17-inch black-finished aluminum wheels standard on the base model. In 2021, they were a $350 option. Both 2022 models will arrive at dealerships this summer, Subaru said.

    The 2022 Legacy sedan comes in six trim levels, all with EyeSight driver-assist technology and all-wheel drive as standard. The base, Premium, Sport, and Limited models have a 182-hp 2.5-liter boxer-four engine teamed with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. Their prices range from $23,955 for the base model to $30,905 for the Limited. The more energetic Limited XT ($35,455) and Touring XT ($37,155) have a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, also paired with a CVT.

    2022 Subaru Legacy Touring XT.
    Subaru

    There are only three option packages on the 2022 Legacy. The first adds blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, push-button start, keyless entry, and LED fog lights ($1000), while a second adds a power sunroof and an 11.6-inch touchscreen with navigation, an improvement over the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen ($2595). The third package, which is also available on the Outback, includes a heated steering wheel, Subaru’s Driver Focus distraction alert system, the nav screen, and the sunroof ($2045). The 2022 Outback is interesting because of the newly revealed upper trim level called the Wilderness, which is priced at $38,120. Its features are based on those of the Onyx Edition XT ($36,270), which includes a hands-free power tailgate, a 180-degree front-view camera, and a full-size spare matching the Wilderness’s Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, and Subaru’s dual-function X-mode with hill-descent control. The Wilderness differs with its higher ground clearance, at 9.5 inches versus the regular Outback’s 8.7 inches, plus special suspension tuning to make it more rugged and model-specific cosmetic touches inside and out.The Outback comes with a 2.5-liter boxer-four making 182 horsepower, with a 260-hp turbo on the Wilderness and the top Limited XT and Touring XT models. There are now eight trim levels from the base Outback at $28,070 through the Touring XT at $41,070. The base model has Subaru’s EyeSight driver-asssist technology with adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability with the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen, and a rearview camera as standard. Four option packages range from $1400 to $2045 and add features including blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, rear automated emergency braking, a hands-free power tailgate, keyless access with push-button start, an 11.6-inch navigation screen, and a power moonroof.Subaru said the two 2022 models will be available at dealerships this summer.

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    Here's the GMC Hummer EV's Crab Walk in Action in Traffic

    Michael Fletcher via Instagram

    The upcoming GMC Hummer EV stands out for its monstrous combination of size and all-electric power, but its most unique feature is the one that makes it just a little bit more nimble. We just got a closer look at what it actually looks like in real life. “Crab Mode,” also referred to as crab walk, was designed to utilize the Hummer line’s four-wheel steering and electric power to freely move diagonally from a standstill, with all four wheels turning to point on the same trajectory and going forward regardless of the position of the car itself. In theory, it is an off-roading feature designed to greatly increase the situational maneuverability of what is already set to be a king of the trails. In practice, it can also be utilized as a fascinating and unnecessary way to show off the Hummer EV’s incredible set of features in traffic.
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    This video, originally captured by Instagram user Michael H. Fletcher and shared by Hummer specialist shop Mod Mafia, shows a pre-production GMC Hummer EV truck (the model with the pickup bed, distinct from the slightly smaller Hummer EV SUV) utilizing the feature in stop-and-go traffic after what looks like a day of off-road testing. The feature does not seem to be serving any meaningful purpose, but the car is able to move at traffic speeds at an odd, diagonal angle with the crab walk engaged.The sight is jarring, but that is part of the goal. The Hummer EV has the ability to quite literally move like nothing else on the road. If the truck has them, might as well try out the gadgets.

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    Joy Electric Motorcycles Launch Price Rs 2.29L Onwards – Beast, Skyline, Thunderbolt, Hurricane

    Joy E-Bike Electric Motorcycles
    Joy E-Bike currently retails eight electric two-wheelers in India- five motorcycles and three scooters
    Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility has launched four new high-speed electric motorcycles under the Joy E-Bike brand namely- Hurricane, Thunderbolt, Skyline and Beast. Prices start at Rs 2.29 lakh for the base Skyline model while Hurricane and Thunderbolt will be offered at a price of Rs. 2.33 lakh each.
    On the other hand, top of the line Beast has pegged at a price of Rs 2.42 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). While Hurricane and Beast are naked streetfighters, Thunderbolt and Skyline are fully-faired motorcycles. The bikes were teased earlier this year and have been launched on the inauguration day of the company’s new manufacturing facility in Vadodara.
    Joy E-Bike Thunderbolt
    Prior to the latest set of launches, Joy E-Bike had four products under its portfolio- one e-motorcycle named E-Monster and three e-scooters named Wolf, Glob and Gen Nxt Nanu. The e-scooter offerings do not require any license or registration. The brand recently announced its association with Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings a couple of weeks ago as one of its premier sponsors.
    Skyline, Thunderbolt, Beast Specs
    Starting with the entry-level Skyline model, the motorcycle is powered by a DC Brushless Hub Motor that derives energy from a 72Ah Lithium Ion resulting in a power output of 5 kW and 230 Nm of peak torque.
    Joy E-Bike Beast
    It can attain a top speed of 90 kmph and can offer a maximum range of 110 km on a single charge. It tips the weighing scales at 150 kg. In terms of hardware configurations, it gets a hydraulic suspension setup with telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock at rear.
    Joy E-Bike Skyline
    Braking duties are carried out by dual discs at front and a single disc at rear. Exact same specifications are offered in its faired sibling Thunderbolt and naked cousin Beast. Although all models come with their unique set of styling elements as well as colour options. All three motorcycles are offered with a 10 Amp Smart Charger that is capable of charging the battery 0-100 percent in nine hours.
    Hurrican Specs
    Hurricane is also offered with the same set of features barring the battery which gets a lower capacity rating of 54Ah which affects range and charging time. The electric naked street racer offers a range of 75km on a single charge while time taken by the battery to rejuvenate 0-100 percent is seven hours. Hardware and other configurations of Hurricane are identical to the other models.
    Joy E-Bike Hurricane
    Features
    As far as features are concerned, all bikes in this range are packed with the latest EV technology along with strong IoT sensors and Artificial Intelligence. The smart charger comes with over-voltage, temperature and short-circuit protection that ensures the bikes are charged to their full potential using less electricity and less time. More

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    Mahindra Treo Zor Electric Three Wheeler (Cargo) Sales Cross 1,000 Units

    Image – Usha Ki KiranIn 6 months since launch, 1000 units of Mahindra Treo Zor electric three-wheeler (cargo) last mile delivery vehicles have been sold
    Mahindra Treo Zor electric three-wheeler (cargo) last mile delivery vehicle have crossed its first 1,000 unit sales milestone. This was achieved in 6 months since launch. This translates into selling on avg of about 5.5 units every day. Sales has enabled the manufacturer to report market share of 59 percent in its segment.
    EV adaption is a key focus area for manufacturers. While, this will in time be a common pattern in both commercial and private use, for now, commercial use is boosting India’s electric vehicle journey. In this front, small cargo vehicles are playing a key role. With a large number of e-commerce companies committed to reducing carbon footprint, the switch to electric cargo and delivery vehicles seems a natural choice.
    Amazon India fleet
    A big boost comes from its place in large-scale fleets. For instance, Amazon India. As recently as February 2021, 100 units of Treo Zor was delivered to the e-commerce giant for use in 7 cities.
    For Mahindra, its newest Treo Zor electric three-wheeler (cargo) EV is raking in numbers through its validity as a delivery vehicle. Together, Mahindra Treo range of electric three-wheelers has surpassed the 8,000 units in sales milestone. Use of electric vehicles focuses on reduction in CO2 tailpipe emissions, and Treo For is doing just that.
    Mahindra Treo Zor Electric
    Payload capacity of 550 kgs
    In terms of commercial fleet vehicles, key success pointers include use in multiple applications, load reliability, and cost effectiveness. Treo makes possible savings of more than Rs 60,000/year. Payload capacity is pegged at 550 kgs. In terms of performance, Treo Zor EV offers 8kW and 42 Nm of torque more than a comparable diesel three-wheeler.
    Ride comfort has evolved around fatigue free experience owing to Zor’s clutchless automatic transmission. It also comes with the promise of being noiseless, and vibration free. Long wheelbase of 2216 mm and tyres of 30.48 cm add to safety through ride stability.
    The lithium-ion battery in use is zero maintenance and is stated to go for 1.5 lakh km, and 3 years / 80,000 km standard warranty. There’s also the option of extending warranty by an additional 2 years / 1 lakh km.
    Mahesh Babu, CEO, Mahindra Electric Mobility said, “Treo Zor has been a game changer for Mahindra and more importantly for our customers who have decided to lead India’s shift towards e-mobility. With its customer-centric design and efficient performance, Treo Zor offers higher savings that customers expect from a last mile electric cargo vehicle.” More

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    Ford Evos Electric Debuts With 27 Inch 4k Infotainment Screen

    Ford EVOS
    Upcoming Ford Evos will replace Mondeo in European and Fusion in North American markets
    Ford Evos Concept made its maiden appearance a decade ago back in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, the American carmaker has revealed Evos in its final production-spec model at the Auto Shanghai event of 2021. The crossover is the first product of a joint venture between the Blue Oval brand and Chinese automaker Changan.
    Evos is essentially a crossover between an SUV and Coupe, and is believed to succeed the outgoing Ford Mondeo/Fusion. It has been largely developed by a team of Changan and will initially be manufactured at the joint venture’s facility in China. The SUV is most likely to go on sale in China later this year followed by other international markets.
    Exterior Styling
    The front face of Evos is reminiscent of another China-specific model which recently went on sale- Equator. It features a low-set bonnet along with super-thin LED headlamps that are connected to each other by a thin LED strip. The light strip extends into daytime running lights and the headlight clusters merge with a wide, octagonal and blacked-out radiator grille.
    Move to its side, its coupe-like silhouette, pop-out door handles and flat-sloping D-pillars remind us of Mustang Mach-E. Other highlights from the side profile include black body claddings, sleek window area and sharp crease lines in the upper portion.
    Ford Evos
    At rear, the most attractive piece of highlight are C-shaped LED taillights connected via a full-width LED light strip. Exhaust pipe has been kept discreet which suggests that this car might be available in an electric powertrain as well. Other styling elements include 19-inch blacked-out alloy wheels, ‘EVOS’ written in bold lettering at rear and two-tone paint schemes with a black roof.
    Interior Styling & Features
    Coming to interiors, the cabin of Evos is simple and minimalist yet highly digital and very futuristic. Interior of the upcoming SUV gets a sporty black treatment enhanced by orange accents on the dash, centre console and steering wheel.
    Almost the entire dashboard is divided into two display screens- one for the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the other a 27-inch 4K ultra-wide infotainment screen. The infotainment Operating system (OS) runs on Ford’s localized SYNC+ 2.0 with Baidu’s AI tech which it refers to as a virtual personal assistant.
    Ford EVOS
    Ford hasn’t let out any specifications of its powertrain or dimensions as of now but it is expected to feature a hybrid as well as a fully electric power source. More details regarding the crossover will be revealed in months to come. More